viva la rivoluzione
/ˈvi.va la ri.vo.lutˈt͡sjo.ne/word by word
viva la rivoluzione is the Italian way to say long live the revolution.
The phrase is used as an exclamation to express enthusiastic support for a political or social revolution.
Meaning: Translations (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word viva is the third-person singular present subjunctive of the verb vivere (to live), used here as an interjection meaning 'long live'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the singular form viva because rivoluzione is a singular feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈvi.va la ri.vo.lutˈtsjo.ne/. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of rivoluzione comes from the Latin revolvō, which literally means 'to roll back' or 'to turn around'. This reflects the idea of a cycle or a complete reversal of the existing social order.
- In Italian political protests, the phrase viva la rivoluzione is often chanted in a rhythmic, alternating call-and-response style between a leader and the crowd.
- The term rivoluzione can be used in Italian to describe a complete change in a person's life or a sudden change in the weather, not just a political overthrow.
Examples in context
- Gridarono tutti insieme: viva la rivoluzione!They all shouted together: long live the revolution!
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are at a political rally.
- LorenzoSenti l'energia della folla? Viva la rivoluzione!Do you feel the crowd's energy? Long live the revolution!
- SofiaSì, Lorenzo, è un momento storico.Yes, Lorenzo, it is a historic moment.
- LorenzoCredi che porterà un vero cambiamento?Do you believe it will bring real change?
- SofiaLo spero davvero, per tutti noi.I really hope so, for all of us.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (viva, la, rivoluzione) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, rivoluzione, CC BY-SA 4.0.
